President Christofferson urges following Christ's light at Luz de las Naciones

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosts the 24th annual “Luz de las Naciones” celebration, bringing together cultures from across the Americas, Africa, and Spain in Salt Lake City.

President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor in the First Presidency, underscored following Jesus Christ’s light and sharing it with others as he spoke during Friday night’s performance at the Conference Center on Temple Square, Church News reported.

Speaking in Spanish to an audience gathered on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, President Christofferson thanked the more than 1,000 volunteers who sang, played in the orchestra, performed dances, and worked backstage from countries across the Americas.

“The scriptures teach us that when we are joyful, we should praise the Lord ‘with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving,’” he said, quoting Doctrine and Covenants 136:28.

Church President Dallin H. Oaks attended Friday night’s presentation as well. Following its conclusion, President Oaks posted on his social media account about the experience, writing, “Though we come from different nations and cultures, we can be united as children of God. At this year’s Luz de las Naciones performance, I saw a beautiful example of our unity as children of God.”

“Luz de las Naciones” — Spanish for “Light of the Nations” — features songs and traditional dances from Latin America, Africa, and Spain. This year’s theme centers on the scriptural invitation found in 3 Nephi 18:24, where Jesus Christ urged followers to hold up their light so it may shine unto the world.

“With these words, the Lord teaches us that as we follow His example, His light, others will see that light in us and also be drawn to Christ,” President Christofferson said, adding that His light illuminates believers both in moments of celebration and during times of introspection and challenge.

He promised that anyone who follows Jesus Christ “will not leave you alone and that His light in your life will bring you joy.”

The annual showcase has spent nearly a quarter-century celebrating Latin cultures and Spanish-language music. Speaking to media representatives at a dress rehearsal on Tuesday, Nov. 10, Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, said that the event provides a unique avenue for participants to highlight their traditions while anchoring themselves in their faith.

“Because that’s what really unites us,” Sister Dennis told Church News, holding a Brazilian flag while speaking to reporters. “And you can feel that unity and love and joy and hope that comes from Jesus Christ.”

For those unable to attend the final presentation in person, the live broadcast in Spanish is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m. MST on the Luz de las Naciones website. English and Portuguese versions with subtitles will also be made available.

Organizers confirmed that the live event is being recorded for on-demand viewing, with streams accessible via the official Luz de las Naciones portal, broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, and YouTube channels in Spanish and Portuguese.